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Definitions

acute

[uh-kyoot] / əˈkyut /
ADJECTIVE
deeply perceptive
Synonyms
STRONGEST
intense keen sharp subtle
STRONG
sensitive smart
WEAK
astute canny clever discerning discriminating incisive ingenious insightful intuitive judicious observant penetrating perspicacious piercing quick-witted
Antonyms
STRONGEST
blunt calm dull forthright honest ignorant mild moderate stupid
WEAK
dense imperceptive insensitive not serious obtuse slow unimportant
ADJECTIVE
very important
Synonyms
STRONGEST
critical dangerous dire serious severe sudden urgent
STRONG
desperate essential grave
WEAK
afflictive crucial decisive vital
Antonyms
STRONGEST
trivial unimportant
WEAK
blunt dense dull imperceptive insensitive not serious obtuse slow stupid
ADJECTIVE
severe, intense
Synonyms
STRONGEST
excruciating fierce keen overwhelming poignant severe sharp sudden
STRONG
cutting shooting
WEAK
distressing exquisite overpowering piercing powerful racking stabbing violent
Antonyms
STRONGEST
blunt calm dull ignorant kind mild pleasant slow soothing stupid
WEAK
dense imperceptive insensitive not serious obtuse unimportant
ADJECTIVE
having a sharp end or point
Synonyms
WEAK
acicular aciculate acuminate acuminous cuspate cuspidate knifelike needle-shaped peaked piked pointed sharpened spiked
Antonyms
WEAK
blunt dense dull imperceptive insensitive not serious obtuse slow stupid unimportant

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And the fear of falling behind is acute in China, given the intense competition over jobs.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

Issues around neutrality are likely to become particularly acute as OpenAI is expected to list publicly as soon as this year and competition ramps up with its AI peer Anthropic.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

This is an acute issue for private-credit managers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The issue has especially acute significance today, not merely because of the Iran war.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

I can’t see Jason and Jess this morning, and my sense of disappointment is acute.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.